Cotchery was not targeted in Friday's preseason game the Patriots. Cotchery still figures to open the season starting across from Kelvin Benjamin in two-wide sets, despite catching just one pass for eight yards through three preseason games. Jason Avant and Tiquan Underwood have been similarly quiet, a theme that should carry into the regular season. Cotchery could perhaps emerge as one of Cam Newton's go-to guys for short and intermediate routes, but the preseason showed no glimpses of any such development.

Cotchery caught one pass for eight yards in Friday's preseason opener against the Bills. Kelvin Benjamin provided the first-team offense's only touchdown and primary highlight, which may be a sign of things to come. But, Cam Newton (ankle) needs someone to throw to besides Benjamin and Greg Olsen, and Cotchery (with the Steelers) was much better than Jason Avant (with the Eagles) last season. Benjamin and Cotchery are the clear favorites to start, which is particularly important on a team that uses three-wide formations less frequently than do most other squads.

Jerricho Cotchery is expected to play in the slot. The Panthers also have lead-footed Jason Avant, who can only play in the slot. They're going to need Cotchery to show more than he ever has, lining up in multiple positions and leading the unit while raw Kelvin Benjamin matures. We're not expecting it to be a very productive passing game. Cotchery will be a weak WR5 type in fantasy despite his big opportunity.

Jerricho Cotchery's deal with the Panthers is for five years and $8.015 million. The deal includes a $2.25 million signing bonus, and pays Cotchery a total of $3.5 million in 2014. The final three years are "voidable," and exist for the sole purpose of spreading out Cotchery's cap hit. It's an indication of how truly dire Carolina's cap situation is. For the moment, Cotchery is Cam Newton's No. 1 receiver.

Panthers are completing a contract with WR Jerricho Cotchery.

ESPN's Ed Werder stated on SportsCenter Thursday that free agent Jerricho Cotchery is "close to a decision," and is "right now leaning" toward signing with the Panthers. Cotchery turns 32 in June, but would at least give Carolina's receiver corps some credibility. The Panthers are currently bereft of NFL receiving experience. Much more interestingly, Werder stated he believes the Panthers have already "internally" discussed trying to trade for DeSean Jackson, and "might entertain the idea" if the Eagles' draft-pick asking price is reasonable.

The Charlotte Observer reports free agent Jerricho Cotchery is deciding between the Panthers and Steelers. Whoever scrounges up the most cap space wins. Cotchery would be frightfully close to the top of the depth chart in Carolina, but it would only be temporary. Going on 32, Cotchery has 120 total catches over the past four seasons.

The Panthers will host free agent Jerricho Cotchery on Monday. Carolina lost out to Indianapolis on Hakeem Nicks, and is now eyeing a journeyman slot receiver who turns 32 in June. The Steelers want to re-sign Cotchery, but they're in even worse salary cap condition than the Panthers.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette expects the Steelers to re-sign free agent Jerricho Cotchery. Cotchery had a quietly-excellent 2013 in the slot, and would likely return as Pittsburgh's No. 3 behind Antonio Brown and Markus Wheaton. Cotchery will be 32, so he's a short-term fix. Despite some mock drafts sending wideouts to Pittsburgh, Bouchette considers defensive back the Steelers' biggest need.

Jerricho Cotchery caught three passes for 25 yards and a touchdown in Pittsburgh's Week 17 win over the Browns.